Monday, October 29, 2018

Paragliders Seek GPS-Enabled Map

Paragliders Seek GPS-Enabled Map

DHARAMSHALA: Paragliders said they need GPS-enabled maps that could be downloaded in mobile phones or other compatible devices to prevent them from entering restricted or unsafe zones.

Recently, Indian Air Force has complained of breach in their air space after a paraglider was spotted at their base in Dalhousie area of Chamba district.

“There are Army cantonments, airport and residence of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama in this region. So, there should be an air map, which should reveal the restricted zones for flying,” the participants said.

Sub-divisional magistrate Vikas Shukla, who has been regulating the event, said they have prepared a map which has been given to all the paragliders.

But the map is not GPS enabled and doesn’t have any information about restricted or unsafe zones. It is a satellite image of the area with turning points mentioned on it for paragliders.

“A group has also been created on social media where flyers will raise their issues with the administration,” a paraglider said.

More than 150 paragliders from about 25 countries have arrived at Bir Billing for flying.